I got to know my fellow volunteers very well the first couple of days. One of them was a nurse, my age, Mao. If you ever run into her, you'll know her by her by the full body suit of tattoos she has. Been in this world ten years.

Anyway, Mao and I spent a lot of what free time we had together. We made it seem like we were having a whirlwind romantic fling... an excuse for us to be in each other's company as much as we were. Got a lot of rude comments for it too... so were at least some of the Malnosso buying it when it counted? I think so.

And naturally a couple is going to eventually want some time alone...

[Pause here for a sip of scotch.]